Man linked to fraud at more than 1,000 Walmart stores pleads not guilty

The man accused of attempting to make fraudulent returns to more than 1,000 Walmart stores, including two in Yuma, appeared in a Yuma County Superior Court room on Monday.

Thomas Frudaker, 24, entered a plea of not guilty before Judge Stephen J. Rouff to the multiple counts within the indictment.

Frudaker, who is in custody, is charged with theft, fraudulent scheme, and attempted theft.

According to Yuma police, Frudaker was arrested approximately 1:08 p.m. at the Walmart at 2501 S. Avenue B on Wednesday, June 13.

Frudaker went to the Walmart location to return a computer purchase when police said it is believed the suspect removed parts from the computer before making the return, according to police.

The investigation revealed the suspect made a similar transaction at another Walmart in Yuma located at 8151 E. 32nd Street.

Frudaker made similar transactions at other Walmart locations in the time span of 18 months, resulting in fraudulent schemes in over 1,000 of the chain’s stores, according to police.

Frudaker, who is being represented by the Yuma County Public Defender’s Office, requested a conditions of release hearing set for July 19.